Town of Hancock

🌻 Hancock Farmers Market & Crafts Fair – Today!

📍 Hancock, NY Town Square — 20 East Main Street
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎶 Live Music at 11:00 AM featuring Jaimie Lilly

Did you hear? Hancock, NY was named the #1 Best Small Town in the U.S.A. by TimeOut New York! 🌟 There’s no better way to experience that charm than at the Greater Hancock NY Farmers Market & Crafts Fair, happening every Saturday through October 4th. 🎶 Stay for the sounds of live music at 11 AM — this week featuring Jaimie Lilly, bringing her unique style and energy to the Square.

🧺 Stroll through the market and discover:

Fresh local produce & meats

Artisan crafts & handmade goods

Jams, baked treats, and something new every week


👨‍👩‍👧 With delicious bites, artisan shopping, a kids’ playground, and the warm community spirit Hancock is known for, it’s the perfect Saturday outing — whether you’re passing through on Route 97 or making a full day of it.

🙏 Special thanks to our sponsors: the Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce, Bisbee Lumber & Supply a Trini Solutions Company, Wayne Bank, Wild West Wonder and Hancock Partners who proudly own and manage the Hancock Town Square.

✨ Come for the market, stay for the music, and take home a taste of Hancock’s small-town charm!

🦅📸 Hancock Pride on the National Stage!

Our very own Andrew Baker has soared into the FINAL ROUND of America’s Favorite Photos with his breathtaking bald eagle shot of Princess Soaring! ✨

This is it — the last chance to make Hancock, TimeOut NY’s #1 Best Small Town in the USA, a national winner. 🌟

✅ Voting is FREE & takes seconds
✅ Every single vote matters
✅ You can be the difference!

👉 Cast your vote NOW: americasfavoritephotos.com/v/znhgcx

Let’s show the world what Hancock can do! 💙

🎉 Big News for Hancock Youth! 🎉

Town Supervisor Jerry Vernold has pledged $2,000 in the 2026 budget to boost 4-H youth development — this means scholarships for four local kids to attend a week of camp (like Camp Shankitunk), plus support for programs like East Branch Mini Mania. Full News Article Here: https://www.hancockny.org/article/2417112

“Investing in young people isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for Hancock’s future.”

Let’s celebrate this commitment to leadership, community, and our kids foe their bright future's ahead! 💪

Hancock Photographer Andrew Baker Advances to Quarterfinals in National Competition Help Him Win!!! Hancock, NY – Local photographer Andrew Baker has advanced to the quarterfinals of America’s Favorite Photos, securing the #1 spot in his group after the latest round of voting. The national contest highlights talented photographers from across the United States, and Baker’s work has gained strong community support throughout each round. Now, as the competition heats up, Baker is vying for a place in the semifinals. Voting remains open for the next 2 days hours, and this stage includes special Double Vote Days where each vote counts twice. “If we can keep Andrew in 1st place or among the Top 4, he’ll move on to the semifinals,” said supporters. “Every single vote matters at this stage.” Community members are encouraged to rally behind Andrew and cast their votes before the deadline. Let's show America how Hancock comes together as community to support our locals! VOTE HERE: https://americasfavoritephotos.com/v/znhgcx This achievement not only showcases Baker’s talent but also shines a spotlight on Hancock as a hub for creativity and the arts!

AMAZING JOB HANCOCK - WE DID IT!

Local photographer Andrew Baker has advanced to the quarterfinals of America’s Favorite Photos, securing the #1 spot in his group after the latest round of voting.

The national contest highlights talented photographers from across the United States, and Baker’s work has gained strong community support throughout each round.

Now, as the competition heats up, Baker is vying for a place in the semifinals. Voting remains open for the next 3 days and 11 hours, and this stage includes special Double Vote Days where each vote counts twice.

“If we can keep Andrew in 1st place or among the Top 4, he’ll move on to the semifinals,” said supporters. “Every single vote matters at this stage.”

Community members are encouraged to rally behind Andrew and cast their votes before the deadline. Let's show America how Hancock comes together as community to support our locals!

VOTE HERE: https://americasfavoritephotos.com/v/znhgcx

This achievement not only showcases Baker’s talent but also shines a spotlight on Hancock as a hub for creativity and the arts.

📸 Support Local Photographer – Andrew Baker! Hancock, NY’s very own Andrew Baker is competing in America’s Favorite Photos – and he needs YOUR vote to move forward! ✅ Voting ends tonight in just 2 hours ✅ If Andrew stays in 1st place or the Top 4, he advances to the Quarterfinals ✅ Every single vote matters – let’s help a hometown artist cross that finish line! 👉 Click here to cast your vote now: https://americasfavoritephotos.com/ 🔗 Vote for Andrew’s Photo Let’s show our Hancockian pride and support Andrew as he represents our community on the national stage!

Please join the French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts Concert Band as their German Band performs at 1PM, as the German Band performs in the Hancock Town Square at 20 E Main Street in Hancock NY. This is a free public performance benefiting their incredible scholarship program. Donations are appreciated, but not required!

📍 Did you hear? Hancock, NY was named the #1 Best Small Town in the U.S.A. by TimeOut New York! So come see what’s happening every Saturday, like the Greater Hancock NY Farmer’s Market & Crafts Fair, happening today from 10AM to 2PM, and each Saturday until October 4th. Located at the Hancock Town Square, 20 East Main Street in the heart of our historic village . 🧺 Enjoy fresh produce, artisan crafts, jams, local meats, handmade goods, baked treats — and something new every week! 🎶 Plus live music on select weekends from amazing regional performers, delicious bites from food trucks, and a playground for the kids! 👨‍👩‍👧 Whether you’re just passing through on Route 97 or making a day of it with the family, you’ll find friendly faces, great food, and small-town charm that’s hard to beat. Special thanks to sponsors Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce and also to the Hancock Partners who own and manage the Hancock Town Square.

🎙️FUDR RiverFest – September 6, 2025 📻 Looking for a fun and educational day by the river? Join us for the Friends of the Upper Delaware River’s annual RiverFest on Saturday, September 6th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Hancock Town Square, located at: 20 East Main Street! 🎉 Celebrate the Upper Delaware River with a day filled with giveaways, kids' crafts, fun activities, and informative booths from local conservation and community organizations. 🍔 Enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks—available by donation—to keep you energized as you explore all the festivities. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 It's a perfect outing for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who loves our beautiful river community. 🌐 For more details, visit fudr.org/riverfest 🎙️

🎙️This summer, man’s best friend needs YOUR help! 🐶 Join us for Hancock Hounds BINGO Nights – a tail-waggin’ good time for a great cause! 🎉 📅 Saturday, September 6th at 4PM – after RiverFest! All BINGO nights are family-friendly, full of prizes, laughs, and puppy love. Proceeds go directly to support the Hancock Hounds Dog Park — helping fund maintenance and insurance for 2026, so tails can keep wagging all year long! Bring your friends, bring your pups, and BARK up some fun! 🎤 Benefiting the Hancock Hounds Dog Park 501c3 Charitable Organization. Visit www.HancockHounds.com for more info.

THIS SATURDAY: Join Friends of the Upper Delaware River(FUDR) for their 3rd annual RiverFest ! An event that celebrates the river and what it means for the people and communities that live in its watershed, hosted at the Hancock Town Sqaure from 10AM-2PM during the Farmer's Market, Including Live Music by Darren Rist.

What To Expect: Giveaways, Kids Crafts, Fun Activities, Food and Drinks, and Conservation/Local Organization Tables! Stay Tuned! We will be updating and adding more details as the event gets closer!

THIS WEEKEND:

Please join the French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts Concert Band as they perform Classic American Favorites and International Scores for the Hancock NY community and indeed the whole region on Saturday Sept 6th at 7pm the French Woods Sports and Arts Center 431 Chapel Hill Road - Auditorium via the French Woods Concert Band.

This is a free public performance benefiting their incredible scholarship program. Donations are appreciated, but not required!

Shuttle Vans will depart Town Square at 6:30 pm for Camp for those without cars. 

Then come back on Sunday Sept 7th at 1PM, as the German Band performs in the Hancock Town Square at 20 E Main Street in Hancock NY.

📍 Did you hear? Hancock, NY was named the #1 Best Small Town in the U.S.A. by TimeOut New York! So come see what’s happening every Saturday, like the Greater Hancock NY Farmer’s Market & Crafts Fair, happening today from 10AM to 2PM, and each Saturday until October 4th. Located at the Hancock Town Square, 20 East Main Street in the heart of our historic village . 🧺 Enjoy fresh produce, artisan crafts, jams, local meats, handmade goods, baked treats — and something new every week! 🎶 Plus live music on select weekends from amazing regional performers, delicious bites from food trucks, and a playground for the kids! 👨‍👩‍👧 Whether you’re just passing through on Route 97 or making a day of it with the family, you’ll find friendly faces, great food, and small-town charm that’s hard to beat. Special thanks to sponsors Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce and also to the Hancock Partners who own and manage the Hancock Town Square.

SUMMER SATURDAYS ARE BACK: Wayne Bank Presents: Farm-Fest in Hancock, NY during 1st Responders Day!

(Sponsored by Walton Branch)
📍Location: Hancock Town Square, 20 East Main Street, Hancock NY
⏰ Market opens: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Live Music 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎶 Live Music (11AM–2PM) BAND: Poison Love Band - LIVE

Visitors can enjoy a vibrant market of local farms, artisans, crafters, food producers, and more, all set to the backdrop of regional live musicians each Saturday. Families can shop for fresh produce, taste homemade treats, browse unique crafts, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the Hancock Town Square in the Historic Downtown District.

“Wayne Bank is proud to support the farmers, small businesses, and musicians who make our region such a special place,” said Vonnie Lewis - Vice President and Lakewood Community Officer Manager. “Hancock’s events brings people together across the whole region, which strengthens all of our close-knit communities, and highlights the best of the Upper Delaware River Valley.”

This year’s Farm-Fest also highlights a heartfelt community celebration honoring the brave men and women who protect and serve us every day. This family-friendly event is a chance to show our gratitude to our local fire, EMS, police, and other emergency services while enjoying a day of fun, food, and camaraderie right in the heart of town.

The day will feature equipment displays, demonstrations, kids’ activities, and special recognitions of our first responders’ dedication. Bring the whole family to meet the heroes behind the uniforms, explore fire trucks and emergency vehicles up close, and learn more about the vital work they do to keep Hancock and our surrounding communities safe. Local vendors and organizations will also be on hand, offering refreshments, giveaways, and helpful resources.

Whether you come to say thank you, to learn more about public safety, or simply to enjoy a great summer day with neighbors and friends and Live Music, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Everyone is welcome!

Join us on Friday, August 30th, from 10 AM to 2 PM in Hancock, NY, as we come together for the 2nd Annual First Responders Day — a heartfelt community celebration honoring the brave men and women who protect and serve us every day. This family-friendly event is a chance to show our gratitude to our local fire, EMS, police, and other emergency services while enjoying a day of fun, food, and camaraderie right in the heart of town. The day will feature equipment displays, demonstrations, kids’ activities, and special recognitions of our first responders’ dedication. Bring the whole family to meet the heroes behind the uniforms, explore fire trucks and emergency vehicles up close, and learn more about the vital work they do to keep Hancock and our surrounding communities safe. Local vendors and organizations will also be on hand, offering refreshments, giveaways, and helpful resources. Whether you come to say thank you, to learn more about public safety, or simply to enjoy a great summer day with neighbors and friends, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Let’s make this year’s First Responders Day even bigger and better than the first — Friday, August 30th, 10 AM–2 PM. Everyone is welcome!

UPDATE ON JOB CORPS CENTERS SERVING DELAWARE COUNTY
Statement from Jerry Vernold, Town Supervisor, Town of Hancock and Member, Delaware County Board of Supervisors

August 20, 2025

I want to provide our residents with an important update on the current status of the Job Corps centers that serve Delaware County and the greater region, particularly the Delaware Valley Job Corps Center in Callicoon and the Oneonta Job Corps Center.

Current Status:

Both centers remain open and operational thanks to federal court intervention that has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempts to close these vital workforce training facilities. A federal judge issued preliminary injunctions that specifically prohibit the Department of Labor from enforcing center closures, issuing shutdown orders, or removing students and staff.

Delaware Valley Job Corps Center (Callicoon, NY) currently serves 177 students and employs 101 staff members. The center contributes an estimated $18 million annually to the Sullivan County economy and serves as one of the largest employers in that region.

Oneonta Job Corps Center serves approximately 140 students and employs around 120 staff members, injecting an estimated $23 million annually into the Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley economies. This center is particularly important to Delaware County residents seeking career training opportunities.

Economic Impact on Delaware County:

The potential loss of these centers would represent a devastating blow to our regional economy and workforce development. Combined, these facilities contribute over $40 million annually to our local economy and provide critical training pathways for young adults aged 16-24 in high-demand fields including healthcare, construction, advanced electrical trades, welding, computer technology, and automotive mechanics.

For Delaware County specifically, these centers serve as essential workforce pipelines, helping our local businesses find skilled workers while providing opportunities for our young people who might not otherwise have access to career training programs. Many Hancock residents have benefited from these programs over the years.

Ongoing Concerns:

While the federal court injunctions provide temporary protection, the long-term future of both centers remains uncertain. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and federal budget negotiations continue. New student enrollments have been suspended since March due to federal background check delays, creating a backlog of approximately 17,000 young people nationwide who are waiting for training opportunities.

Looking Forward:

As Town Supervisor and as a member of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, I remain deeply concerned about any efforts to eliminate these programs. These centers represent more than just job training facilities—they are economic anchors for our region and lifelines for young people seeking pathways to productive careers.

The next several months will be critical as federal budget negotiations continue. I encourage all residents to stay informed about this issue and to contact their federal representatives about the importance of preserving these essential programs.

Both the Delaware Valley and Oneonta Job Corps centers have operated successfully for decades, proving their value to our communities time and again. We must ensure they continue serving future generations of young people in Delaware County and throughout upstate New York.

Contact Information: Jerry Vernold, Town Supervisor
Town of Hancock
(607) 637-3651

For more information about Job Corps programs, visit jobcorps.gov or contact your federal representatives.

🎡✨ THANK YOU HANCOCK! ✨🎡 The Hancock Community Education Foundation’s 2nd Annual Free Family Carnival in the Hancock Town Square was a HUGE success — and it wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible community partners! 💙 👏 NBT Bank – for generously providing free school supplies to get our kids ready for the year. 👏 SFCU Bank – for the fun games and giveaways that brought smiles to so many children and families. 👏 Fidelis Care – for helping families connect with important health care resources. 👏 Bridgewater Church – for keeping everyone fueled with complimentary hot dogs, chips, and beverages. 👏 Hancock Partners – for providing the Town Square space and supporting this event. 👏 B&G Carnival & Tunes, who brought the amazing games, prizes, music and karaoke fun. 👏 Special thanks to Hancock Town Supervisor Jerry Vernold and Mayor Shaun Shannon for attending this event! And of course, THANK YOU to the families, kids, and neighbors who came out to celebrate with us — you are what makes Hancock such a special place to live, work, and play. It’s no wonder Hancock, NY was named the #1 Best Small Town in the USA by TimeOut New York — this is exactly what small-town spirit looks like! With 1,200 people attending the event, we could not be more thrilled by the turnout. 💛 📸 Stay tuned for more photos and highlights from this unforgettable day! #HancockNY #CommunityStrong #FamilyCarnival #ThankYou #BestSmallTown